The Difference Between Building Sand & Ballast
The benefits of building sand
Whether you’re brick-laying, block-laying or slab-laying, get in contact with your local aggregate supplier and receive the finest grade of building sand. Why? Because it’s durable, affordable and provides an excellent finish.
What is building sand good for?
Ideal for home improvements, building works, construction and gardening, our building sand can be supplied in large or small quantities, and is suitable for both commercial and domestic projects. It can be mixed with water and cement to make mortar or used for multiple things such as children’s sandboxes, golf courses, and highways.
Benefits of Using Sand During Construction
- Durability – sand is a mixture of tiny particles including, rock fragments, and minerals. When tightly compact, it forms an extremely strong bond – which means it’s durable – exactly what you want and need in the world of construction.
- Affordability – if cost-efficiency is what you’re looking for, building sand is the perfect construction base for your adhesive mix. Sand is a great filler and makes up for a high percentage of the materials used to make cement, concrete or mortar.
- Multi-functional – sand can be used for a number of things such as: play areas, pop-up beaches, landscaping, artificial reefs, man-made beaches, sandblasting, sandbags and the erection of buildings.
This essential building aggregate can be utilised for a variety of applications – whether you’re a domestic, commercial or industrial customer – opt for building sand and bring your projects through to completion.
The Benefits of Ballast
Ballast is a blend of sand, stone and gravel, and is utilised to produce concrete for hard landscaping projects. It can be provided in bulk and tailored to best suit its application. Ballast is utilised by all types of customers for an extensive range of jobs, it is a preferred choice because it increases the strength of the batch, when added to concrete.
What is ballast good for?
Ballast is ideal for numerous projects and can create paving, stepping stones, curbs, garden walls, conservatories, garage and shed bases.
Benefits of using ballast in construction
- Durable – this course aggregate stands the test of time, which makes it a cost-effective building material as it will not require replacements or repairs as often as other materials. The product of ballast concrete will be low-maintenance too, which is always desirable – so no matter what you’re using this building material for – you can be sure to simply enjoy it, rather than spend time maintaining it.
- Increases strength of concrete – ballast is a heavier aggregate than other concrete mix materials, such as sand. This means that ballast can provide a stronger bond in the mix as ballast is heavier and rougher, which improves the bond of the paste.
- Cost-effective – since ballast is a hard-wearing material, you can be sure that whatever project you complete with it, will last longer than if you were to use other alternatives. Therefore, you’ll save money because maintenance will be low.
Ballast can be supplied in large or small quantities because it is useful for a number of projects whether it’s used by a domestic, commercial or industrial customer – no job is too big or too small for the use of ballast.
If you want to know more about the difference between Building Sand and Ballast or are looking for aggregates for your projects in the Essex area, contact Neil Sullivan & Sons today.
